Meet Patricia Velasquez:
Patricia Velasquez began classical piano lessons at the age of four. In Junior High, she began to study jazz. She attended Berklee College of Music in 1987. She has performed at Stepping Out with the South Central Mass Choir; at Ryles for a blues reunion with Shirley Lewis and guests; at the Acton Jazz Cafe, and at Sculler's with the Pat Braxton Band. She has also played with Joe Cook.

Instrument(s):
Piano.

Teachers and/or influences?
My first piano teacher ever was Mr. Dunz Ridell. I was heartbroken when he moved away. Ms. Violet Banks was my classical piano teacher; she taught Victoria Page. My major classical influence at the time was Liberace.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...
I knew I wanted to be a musician when I was three years old. The family that my parents worked for had a grand piano, and I would sit at it for hours, picking out melodies, just enjoying myself.

Your sound and approach to music:
My sound is purely acoustic. No matter what I play, it must be melodic, whether it is simple or complicated.

Your teaching approach:
When it comes to my students, quality is what comes to mind. I believe it is important for them to know the history of the music they are learning. They are the musicians of the future, should they pursue it as a career; they are also the audiences of tomorrow. I believe in teaching them that there are no shortcuts—one must practice in order to progress and be successful.

Your dream band:
I would love to work with